Companies Act and Regulations

The Companies Act, Act no. 71 of 2008 was signed by the President on 8 April 2009 and gazetted in Gazette No. 32121 (Notice No. 421). The Act replaces the Companies Act, 61 of 1973 and came into effect on 1 May 2011.

The Minister of Trade and Industry has in terms of section 223 and Item 14 of Schedule 5 of the Companies Act published the Companies Regulations. These regulations became effective on 1 May 2011, at the same time that the Companies Act No 71, 2008, became effective.

Companies and Intellectual Property Commission

The newly formed Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), was established through the amalgamation of the Office of Companies and Intellectual Property Enforcement (OCIPE) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (CIPRO). The Commission is a juristic person, and as mandated by the Companies Act, 2008, has jurisdiction throughout the Republic, is independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law and any policy statement, directive or request issued to it by the Minister of Trade and Industry in terms of this Act.

Amongst various other functions, the CIPC issues practice notes and guidance notes on company law.

CIPC practice notes

Companies Act